"I had some terrific and caring professors and faculty advisors in many of my elected classes. However, for several of our required core courses I would have to give the professors chosen to teach them fairly low ratings. The School of Public Health has undergone a curriculum revamp since the time that I have graduated and I hope that this is no longer as large of an issue."

Connell

Reviewed:
Degree:
Graduation Year:

Jeng-Tyng Hong

Reviewed: 2/23/2013
Degree: Journalism
Graduation Year: 2013

"The M.S. program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism is a solid building block for budding journalists. Fundamental training with equipment and analytic skills help ensure a reporter's success. The strength of the program is the ticket into a relatively closed off world. Career opportunities are provided exclusively to Columbia J-School graduates and perhaps more a testament to the students than to the teachers, most graduates do end up in high-level positions in the industry. Subsequently, the network established as a student can help in future job pursuits. The J-School student body has historically had a strong presence of international students and people coming from diverse backgrounds. It does good to learn from one another. Throughout the course of the year, professors will invite rather successful members of the industry as guest speakers. This is a great opportunity to learn tricks of the trade, but also to exchange contact information should one choose. The program is great for beginners, but if you already have experience working as a journalist, consider the M.A. program, which is accelerated and focuses on specializing in a beat rather than as a general assignment reporter. Since classes are Pass/Fail, the student chooses how much or how little work to put into his/her own education. Even if you are not learning very much because you already know it, the program will still keep you busy. Researching, reporting and producing stories are time consuming depending on the medium - broadcast students work under further time limitations. The 10-month Master's program comes with a hefty price tag and so think carefully whether this is the right program for you. Best of Luck!"

Emily Behan

Reviewed: 2/14/2013
Degree: Social Sciences
Graduation Year: 2015

"It's a unique program -- one of the only in the country! The professors are great and have had a lot of experience in the field. Classes are small and everyone is friendly."

Eric Triplett

Reviewed: 2/12/2013
Degree: MBA
Graduation Year: 2014

"Pros include strong alumni network, access to industry professionals, relevant and useful coursework taught by industry professionals, and hands-on career management center."

Samuel Hasan

Reviewed: 2/12/2013
Degree: Liberal Studies
Graduation Year: 2013

"Pros: Variety of classes on variety of subjects that all focus on sustainability management. Many classes meet at night, so part time options are available. Cons: Program is new, so it is still developing its niche"

Paul Cooley

Reviewed: 2/9/2013
Degree: Physical Therapy
Graduation Year: 2015

"Joining the physical therapy department at columbia university has been an incredibly challenging, encouraging, and developing experience. The program's goal is to produce highly adroit and rigorously tested practitioners who will both continue the programs prestigious reputation and enter an evolving career best equipped to help people. Access to faculty, and educational opportunities begins on the first day and continues well into the students career. Living in New York City is an experience all its own, although a city this size does also have its limitations. I miss my yard and privacy, but have traded them for limitless social endeavors and a neighborhood brimming with diversity. I am vary happy to embrace the challenges of this program to prepare me for my career."

Mayers Melissa

Reviewed: 2/8/2013
Degree: Public Policy
Graduation Year: 2014

"The coursework in SIPA's current programs can be very rigorous, but the professors, students and future job prospects make it all worthwhile. A degree from SIPA is a solid investment in your future career."

Clement Lee

Reviewed: 2/7/2013
Degree: Nutrition
Graduation Year: 2012

"Pros: Lots of faculty support, you can virtually go into any related field afterward and feel like you have a system to lean back on. Cons: Cost of program, the Washington Heights neighborhood isn't the greatest."

Wendy Yu

Reviewed: 2/4/2013
Degree: Public Health
Graduation Year: 2014

"Innovative, restructured program that encourages students to focus on developing interdisciplinary competencies to apply in the real world as public health professionals."

Amrey Mathurin

Reviewed: 2/1/2013
Degree: Liberal Arts
Graduation Year: 2013

"You get the highest quality education at Columbia GSAS. You're surrounded by amazing students, and many of them are politically and socially engaged. The Morning Side Campus feels very historical, and feels like it is outside the city. Although most professors and instructors that I''ve had are excellent, they are less accessible than my undergraduate professors at the small liberal arts school I attended. You really must put yourself out there in order to be notice and heard."

Haben Fecadu

Reviewed: 1/27/2013
Degree: Law
Graduation Year: 2012

"The pro is the name and the city. The school knows this. However, they dont seem to care about the experience of their students and will do the absolute minimum to keep them happy as long as their ratings stay the same. The faculty is comprised of top scholars in their respective fields, and most of them are approachable, though the ones that aren't can be difficult to deal with."

Anon .

Reviewed: 1/27/2013
Degree: Law
Graduation Year: 2011

"Well known school, great faculty, not so great administration (not horrible, just not particularly supportive). Good classmates if you avoid those who go to law school to prove how smart they are. Law school is difficult wherever you go so think about what you want the school to do for you afterward (in terms of reputation, alumni network, and actual career support). While the name certainly opens doors, expect to work hard while there and afterward to get the career you want. Very corporate focused although the public interest community is very strong and growing; the support is there if you tap into it early. Finally, in terms of law school in general, the legal field has been going through a shift in terms of job trends (as I'm sure most people know by now). If you're going to law school because you don't know what else to do or someone told you you'd make a good lawyer because you like to argue, take a year to work and figure out what you really want to do to determine if law school is really the right move for you."

Nina Bahar

Reviewed: 1/24/2013
Degree: Engineering
Graduation Year: 2013

"My program and the library resources have been outstanding for the most part. I feel as though it is preparing me well and that it encourages a lot of networking and other professional undertakings. From an academic standpoint it's good. However other campus resources are lacking whether it is the gym with no free lockers, the few music practice rooms available to all students, the campus shuttle that is almost non-existent at times--they really leave a lot to be desired. The social scene isn't anything special and a lot of the livelier spots for young people are in other parts of NYC. The academic aspect of my program here is good. Everything else pertaining to the school is so-so. The high cost of living is bad."